The Size Of Your Fishing Line Is Costing You Bites And Bass…

[@grandeernesto4756]

Randy, so what you're saying is size does matter, but smaller is often better, I'm gonna use "line" at the bar tonight

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Lol

[@danham3344]

😂 Good luck with that! 😆👍🏼

[@scottvaughn9565]

Lol man I hope smaller is better being 5'5" and 135lbs lol but good luck with pulling them fat girls tonight bro 😂🙂

[@RickMahoney2013]

Ha ha

[@terrytresemer2864]

Read in BASS Master mag. back in the late 70's about line diameters & test. It has stuck with me ever since. I run with 8,10 &12 lbs for bass, 4 lbs for trout & crappie. Even 6 lb for walleye from Lake Erie. Just don't horse or swing the fish onboard! Something extra - keep your hands free from fuel, oil, sunscreen and other smell's to turn fish off!!

[@bluesdawg8014]

Perfect Old School bass guy

[@nnamrehck]

DEET in mosquito repellent is especially pernicious

[@terrytresemer2864]

@@nnamrehck That and a couple other reasons is why I don't use the repellent.

[@Sum1Fishy]

@@nnamrehck I have a buddy that sprays that stuff on his bait and he catches them good. 🤷

[@nnamrehck]

@@Sum1Fishy What repellent does he spray? There are so many formulations out there.

[@MN-Bassassin13]

Good ole randy coming through dropping little gems all the time. This is something I’ve personally never even given thought to but after watching the video and applying it to my previous experiences- this is actually fairly accurate information. I’ll have to give up my fear of losing fish and start building my confidence in smaller pound test for certain set ups and presentations. Will also allow me to practice more on my technique when it comes to “playing” the fish rather than just “power fishing” (burning em in). As always, thanks for the tips Randy 🤙🏽🎣

[@af4od02]

I was fishing as a co angler many years ago. The boater was flipping with 65 lb braid. He told me he wished he could use lighter braid, but the lighter braid “Dug into” his spool. The 65 lays flat of the spool, while 30-50 pinches down into the spool and can create havoc on flips and casts. The pro thought he was more efficient with the heavier braid.

[@tomearly111]

I fish 10 lb. fluorocarbon leader on all my gear except my drop shot rig. I use 7 lb. test Sunline fluorocarbon on that. We have Pickerel here and with 10 lb. at least you have a chance of not donating as many baits to them. You can get away with lighter line on a drop shot just because of the way the fish, even Pickerel, get the hook without getting the line in its mouth even with a #1 mosquito hook. I use 20 lb. or 30 lb. braid before the leader on everything. It's still thin enough to cast well and isn't subject to wind knots as much as the lighter braids. My mindset has always been go as light as you can get away with.

[@clintperry799]

I use 8 pound mono on my spin, and 10 pound on my caster. And do well . I lost my sunglasses a year and a half ago. Since I'm retired it's difficult to replace them. Thanks Randy 🇺🇸. (ALL OF THEM ) 🙂👍

[@terrytresemer2864]

Me two! Test, glasses & retired.

[@danham3344]

Fantastic info Randy. Thanks as always! 😃👍🏼

[@mr.skeptical3071]

I've always noticed, bigger line = less bites. But there's definitely a fine "line" in going to light!!

[@clay7514]

Excellent point randy. Only problem I hate with super light line is it’s hard to be a line watcher, like detecting a fish swimming with bait if you don’t feel That tick

[@solaydbak]

I think most people don’t need over 15# line. That’s my go to all purpose size. I like 10-12# for crank baits. I only use 20# when using swim baits. Also different companies have different diameter lines. If I can get a 17# with the same diameter as 15# I go with the 17#.

[@maxcole3930]

Your definitely right, it seems like a lot of bass anglers use heavier line than necessary alot of the time. For 6" mag drafts I use 14lb straight floro Alot guys use 20lb on the little 6" swimbaits which is what I use on my 3-6oz swimbaits. I try use lightest line I can unless very heavy cover

[@solaydbak]

I use 15# for the mag but I don’t feel confident in the line size. Broke off a few nice fish.

[@maxcole3930]

@@solaydbak most importantly use what works best for you & your confident in! I've been using 14# fc sniper floro for while now. I started with 17 working my way down to 14. Swimming it in clear water where I could watch it, it had better action on smaller line. I've caught multiple 5-6 & few 7lbers & 8.97lb largemouth with no problem so far. I do retire alot but I do that with any size floro

[@maxcole3930]

I meant re-tie...

[@steveholcomb9073]

I know I go small line just about all the time keep it up Thanks for your help

[@willperryman4559]

I’ve never used #20 InVizX and I’ve always found #15 to be my heaviest needed.🤷🏻‍♂️ I only fish in 2 bass clubs in North Carolina and sometimes Kentucky lake or Cumberland lake.

[@shanescott3168]

Good information.

[@oxyfee6486]

I always stop by to hit the like button, Thanks for the help my friend.

[@bobjohnston5527]

I have two Quantum smoke S3 baitcaster and Quantum smoke rod that has micro line guides. I tried 20 pound braids and fluorocarbon. With the 20 pound line I had trouble casting it on a Quantum smoke rod that has line weight up to 17 pounds test. S3 reels has 7.3:1. I have 12 and 14 Sufix siege mono that I can cast a top water frog the length of mini home lot for a 75 foot home. I can't cast like that with braid or fluorocarbon

[@mikefromoh2925]

I break off a lot more with 6 than 8 so I rarely use 6. But I fish a lot of stained water. Also since I fish a lot of current don’t go heavier than about 15 because 20 will drag in the current and form a bow.

[@nnamrehck]

Randy - I trust your observations and advice. Let me clarify my question. It sounds from the video like lower test line will sink faster than high test line. Is that correct? If lower test line sinks faster that does not make sense to me. PTFE (fluorocarbon) has a density of 2.20 g/cc. Much denser than water at 1.00 g/cc. Nylon 66 is 1.14 and acrylic is 1 to 1.1 depending on composition. I expect what you say to be true of regular monofilament (nylon or acrylic) but not true of PTFE because it is so much denser than water. Can you offer any insight? Thanks!

[@philipekdahl4881]

Great info. Do you ever make it out here to lake havasu? Severe clear water .

[@coltonn322]

I like seaguar abrazx 20# fluoro most the time. Its super strong i somehow landed a 50#+ flathead out of the middle of a emergent brush pile with it. Made me a believer. One of the brands I tried i think it was yozuri topknot broke on me and it was a fresh spool

[@scottvaughn9565]

That's crazy cuz yozuri top knot is my bargain go to and has been incredible for me a few years now. But seagur is def my favorite.

[@alexyost6216]

Yozuri super braid is trash too.

[@cityslickadundee3720]

Where most the bass hang out in MT northern pike hang out so I’ve gotta use 30lb fluoro .I can get away with 20 but I have been cut off a few times . Specifically this January same time I landed the walleye I had a 25-30lb pike at the wall to the left of my picture . The pike made another whiplash splash and cut me off . That’s nightmare status for that 😂

[@jimchandler1766]

All this is great info but I can't afford to have rods and reels for every scenario. I have 4 rods to do all my fishing. What would be the all around # line to use.

[@Surfer-727]

Next video Randy, fluorocarbon vs. monofulment, can smallmouth or largmouth tell the difference ?

[@Snoogleheimer]

Nice truck Randy.

[@jerryboutin3133]

So Randy up here in the great state of maine I use 12 lb test on my bait casters trilean stop 15 lb test fluorocarbon on my lighter rigs and 20 lb test braid on my spinning rods this seems to work for me. Should I use a leader on my braid? These are the rods I throw small plastics ,Ned rigs ultra vibe and tubes.

[@renerogers6950]

Hi Randy. Would it be okay to fish a Super Spook for topwater Striped bass using P-Line FLOROCLEAR Copolymer 20lb DIA. 0.0164 line? I’m fishing a highland reservoir here in Texas (Lake Whitney). And would you recommend using a spinning reel or a baitcast reel? Thanks so much for your tips. I really appreciate your videos. 🙌🏽🇺🇸👊

[@renerogers6950]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHOcd3euf7ekd6M

[@BobelPop]

Usually monofilament for topwater lures. IMHO, A bait caster would reduce the line tangling since a spinner twists the line more [especially true for monofilament & fluorocarbon (spinners can be a challenge for fluorocarbon if you don't put it on right)]

[@renerogers6950]

@@BobelPop Thanks for taking the time to respond. I appreciate it! Wishing you a great 2023. 👍👊🇺🇸

[@andrewsherrill5249]

Randy, do you still use a damp towel when spooling new line?

[@platinumhandymansolutions]

This is probably more of a Cali thing but have you ever had to go down to 3-4 pound flouro to get bit either on beds or in ultra clear water?

[@silasclayton7777]

What about using braid?

[@chasintails2179]

Hey, Randy.. would you review the in-fisherman gear box please.. I would love to know what you think of it

[@Doug_Hinton]

I will tell you the in fisherman is definitely the real deal. Not about pleasing sponsors , just about giving the angler the best info possible. I'd imagine their box is on point.

[@08alexnyc]

Hi everyone. I've heard when spooling a spinning reel I need to fill the spool until it comes within 1/16th to 1/8th of an inch to the edge of the spool. I run wicked small reels: Okuma 15 and 20 size. Does this rule apply to all reel sizes? If it does I won't have any line left. Or is it relative to the reel size? Thanks

[@bassboxingoutdoors]

Yeah do that with all reels. Use a cheap backing so u don't use so much good line

[@08alexnyc]

@@bassboxingoutdoors Thank you!

[@valentinmalinin]

That depends on you reel and type of line. This affects only wind knots and casting distance. If you have a good spinning reel and use braid you can spool it up to the lip. If you use mono/fluoro definitely leave some space, but don't make it too much, you will start loosing distance. 1/16 to 1/8 inch would be perfectly fine if you run more than 6 pound test.

[@08alexnyc]

@@valentinmalinin Thanks! I use 6lb braid backing with 2lb copoly leader. Also 10lb braid with 4lb copoly leader (I know, Randy will frown upon me). But...so far so good.

[@08alexnyc]

@@19empire85 Thanks for your snarky and useless opinion but it doesn't answer my question. "Useing" smaller gear is challenging, fun and it always fits in my MC topbox. Some people use 20s for pier fishing, some use 30s for offshore. Also, ice fishing looks like a blast!

[@JonR35]

I use 12 fluro

[@sforti01]

No matter the size of the line, when I wiggle my worm they always come biting! (That’s what she said)

[@josephvandergraph1666]

As a saltwater fisherman that uses 30 lb braid and less, mainly 12-15 lb ,I just don’t understand the need for heavy test line for freshwater (bass). People talking about 50lb test or more for bass fishing just baffles me

[@ricarthobeekay5256]

If you could only have one single line for the next year, what would it be???

[@motherlodebassin5369]

How much are the map breakdowns?

[@Doug_Hinton]

I fish a gin clear reservoir , I'm talking 20' visibility. Rocky bottom some shallow grass but the lake is deep and gets deep fast, from 6" to 60' within the length of a cast. These fish can see and they aren't dumb. I stick with 12 lb for most poles 17 lb on my bigger bait caster and that's as heavy as I go. And also those darn chicken are attacking your raised bed again!!

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

2 weeks ago I filled both my spinning reel(10#) & my baitcaster(30#) with Spiderwire braid & I do NOT like it - I have usually used Power Pro braid in the past. I am thinking about stripping it all off & going straight fluoro... suggestions?

[@GeluNumber1]

Spiderwire is bottom of the barrel braid. Go back to power pro with a fluoro leader for your spinning rod, and straight fluoro for your casting setup.

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

@@GeluNumber1 thank you for your reply! Do you have a suggestion as to what fluorocarbon line? I hear Randy talking about "Invisx"(?) alot... I have been away from the fishing game for awhile(years) due to health issues, so alot of this stuff is new to me.

[@GeluNumber1]

@@TonyHookedonVanlife Sure. Invisx is made by Seaguar, and is pretty good fluoro. I personally use both Seaguar Abrazx, and P Line Ultimate.

[@montuckyman4982]

Tatsu ..best there is but pricey

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

@@GeluNumber1 oh okay, there's Invisx and Abrasx fluoro - I'm guessing that's like Trilene XL & XT mono, name-wise? I'll look for em!

[@mgdwj]

On the lake map break downs do y’all adjust it any for current lake levels? I’ve been contemplating getting the one for Lake Amistad, and it is super low. Low enough that I think there is only 1 maybe 2 boat ramps open.

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

We try to a lot of our breakdowns are based upon the normal water levels and the GPS coordinates are as close as we could possibly get to what we’re talking about. A lot of the GPS coordinates put you in the general area depending upon the type of cover

[@mgdwj]

Thank you. I look forward to checking them out next time I go down there. I appreciate your time for responding and making your videos.

[@Sum1Fishy]

My question is, if 💯% fluorocarbon line is "invisible in the water" like manufacturers claim, then does it even matter if it's 8lbs test VS 30lbs test? I'm talking strictly from a viability point.

[@nnamrehck]

If the water is clean, it is invisible. However, dirty water will outline the invisible line.

[@Sum1Fishy]

@@nnamrehck that, I 💯 agree

[@drock5404]

Thin line in rivers has cost me a lot of LURES. lol

[@JP-dj1ow]

I've always thought people have used too heavy of line for bass fishing. They're not redfish for snook. It's a damn bass. I understand there's situation with cover and structure but bass really aren't that formidable of a fighter compared to a lot of other species. Don't get me wrong they are fun.

[@atama17]

I just run 8# flouro whacky everywhere

[@dawsonredfield9679]

Do you have line management issues when fishing straight fluorocarbon on spinning reels

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Not if you put it on with tension and leave about 1/8 of an inch of a gap between the line in the spool

[@dawsonredfield9679]

@@randyblaukatintuitive alright thanks randy love the videos

[@mmbkpbsdad]

12lb test 10.00 jig = 100% pissed

[@academicmailbox7798]

There is a similar thing that happens. When fishing fly lines of different densities.

[@academicmailbox7798]

Except that on that side of fishing. We are more explicit about describing lines by different densities (floating density, intermediate or hoover density, slow sink, medium, fast and extra fast sink densities). And at this stage. I've gone to the effort. Of trying pretty much them all. On different rod lengths, power ratings and so on. The differences are really shocking. In terms of what it means. From a point of view of the work output you need to put in. On the human being angler side of it.

[@academicmailbox7798]

What the larger diameter monofilament or fluorocarbon lines sound very like. Is what it's like to operate with a floating density line. Where it gives you time. You don't have to rush the bait. And you can allow the motion of the wind, or even the smallest drift of the current. To do a lot of the work. I've heard that anglers on Table Rock used to work that way. By casting their lures. Early pre-cursor lures to jerk baits (that had been intended for catching striped bass). Made by Rogue manufacturer etc. And they'd cast that lure and simply allow the wind drift to do the rest of the work. That is the static or slow presentation. That one can do using a floating line. Even some of the 'deep' fishing methods in bass. Operate on a very slow basis too. Even though the anglers work at depth. They often work with a slow presentation of the bait.

[@academicmailbox7798]

The further you go towards the sinking density lines though. And it sounds pretty much the same with a thin diameter fluorocarbon line. What you're working with. Is a lot less time before the bait or lure becomes inactive. It sinks to the bottom and hangs up on whatever 'cover' or structure you are fishing with. The reason that many of the fly fishing anglers. Even in shallow rivers. Prefer to work with 'sinking' density lines, intead of floating ones. Is precisely the fact that they are working very shallow. In other words. They don't want to wait for the amount of time it takes. For the lure to achieve it's fishing depth. Which may only be a foot underneath the surface. However, they want their lure to start fishing at depth. Straight away. And the anglers using those sinking lines. Are totally prepared to do the work needed. In order to keep that lure active. Fishing at shallow depth under the surface. In shallow depths of water. These anglers are the very definition of a type of angler. Who is employing a shallow water strategy, versus a deep water one.

[@academicmailbox7798]

I buy these lines occasionally at a tackle store. The owner there fishes all conventional tackle with electronics on his boat. And when I purchase a sinking density fly line (which are intended for a kind of 'vertical' fishing at depth). He always assumes that. He says to me, so you're going fishing deep are you? And I have to explain, no. It's the opposite. The reason why I want the lines to be sinking density. Is that I want to fish shallow. I just want the lure to achieve depth automatically, rather than waiting for it. Because when fishing shallow along these edges. You don't really have a lot of 'time' to work with. You need you're bait to start doing something. Pretty much straight away. It's a reactionary bite kind of thing. There are other instances though. Where I might be fishing over deep water. And the fish will come up a distance to prey upon something (as in a type of 'top water' strategy or pattern). And that is where you might want the floating density. Or intermediate line (sinks at one inch per second, which is nothing). In order to slow down things. However, that lighter density line. Is ideal for a deeper water strategy. The intermediate density is just a little bit heavier. Which can actually assist the delicacy of presentation often. As it straightens out a bit better. And often lands with less force too on the surface of the water. With the intermediate density, you have to increase speed of action of the lure a little. It is still a very slow presentation however. There is some motion going. With floating densities, it gives you option to slow down to zero. If you want.

[@academicmailbox7798]

There is one instance I can think of. Of where the conventional angler could employ a 'leader' attachment to their system. And that is where they use a thicker diameter 'monofilament' line. To a main swivel or something. And attach a length of thin fluorocarbon beyond that. What that does is it creates an acute angle. Of where you can 'slow' your retrieve or presentation down. And allow the current or wind to do something. On the thicker diameter monofilament line on purpose. Where the piece of fluorocarbon beyond the swivel is achieving some depth. What is happening though, is the monofilament line does have an affect on what is happening to the lure. That is one of the few examples of a place. Where I think a leader system might offer something. To the bass angler. Although, I've never heard of anyone who did that. It's what we'd call a sinking tip. And in some cases where you have difficult fish. In water and there is some choppiness to the surface. It can work where nothing else can. That is, where a full floating presentation is not deep enough. And a full sinking line presentation needs to be retrieved or moved to quickly. The sinking tip is a way to target something in between. That neither of those two lines can do.

[@snaykes]

But how are these kids gonna boat flip 4 lbrs with 8# test

[@montuckyman4982]

It's double the strength of the 4# fishes weight. They'll be fine. Then bash the fish all over on the carpet and stuff. Does em wonders.